May 2008? Crikey, we never expected BioWare's 360 RPG Mass Effect wouldn't release on PC, but we're a little surprised that it'll be with us so soon.
BioWare's a developer that doesn't mess around when it comes to ports - look at Jade Empire for evidence - and so it's taking pains to optimise the game for the PC platform .
It's not rocket science, with optimised controls and higher-resolution visuals and textures on the cards, but on top of that the studio's talking about "Run & Gun Control" ("Players can assign biotic powers or skills to 'hot keys' allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action"), a new decryption mini-game and a revamped inventory system and user interface.
The plot:
Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.
Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
High resolution visuals - Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
Fully customizable controls - PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
Run & Gun Control - Players can assign biotic powers or skills to 'hot keys' allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
New decryption mini-game.
New inventory screen GUI and functionality - The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.
Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David.
The PC version is being published by EA as opposed to Microsoft, and the former will now handle publication of Mass Effect products going forward.
Now we get to rub it in the faces of all those 360 idiots who were all shouting about how Mass Effect was going to be a 360 exclusive for ever and ever...
Now we get to rub it in the faces of all those 360 idiots who were all shouting about how Mass Effect was going to be a 360 exclusive for ever and ever...
Weeee. Can't wait
C'mon. Thats a bit harsh. It's pretty plain to see that any games coming on the MGS platform are all going to be found on PC, although May is pretty quick.
Personally, I much prefer gaming on my big TV, crashed out on the couch.
As long as us 360 owners don't get shafted and miss out on revamps and content that the PC one gets, then I'm down with this - this is a great game, and deserves a massive audience.
Now we get to rub it in the faces of all those 360 idiots who were all shouting about how Mass Effect was going to be a 360 exclusive for ever and ever...
Weeee. Can't wait
I think everyone and their mum knew this would be released on PC at some point, even without the EA ordeal. The only question is if this series would stay console exclusive to 360 and it seems so, which is all MS care about.
Like another poster stated, if you missed this on 360, pick it up. It was my personal pick for GOTY for 2007.
Even if it was expected, announcing a supposed "Xbox 360 exclusive" for PC with improvements over the Xbox 360 version (higher resolution visuals, new inventory GUI and functionality...) seems unfair if the Xbox 360 users will not get some of those improvements as well.
^I agree, thats fantastic news, i had a fair idea this was coming sometime, but definately not as soon as this, i was a little envious of 360 owners when i saw it a while back( im not into formats just the games ) but fantastic news its out soo soon
Oh, and ill be hooking my PC upto my HDTV telly for this one, as i know ill prefer to relax with a few beers playing it. Herself can watch the crap on the telly with PiP lol
Even if it was expected, announcing a supposed "Xbox 360 exclusive" for PC with improvements over the Xbox 360 version (higher resolution visuals, new inventory GUI and functionality...) seems unfair if the Xbox 360 users will not get some of those improvements as well.
You do realise they're all pretty standard PC port improvements, right? The reason for different resolutions is so people with different monitors can run it without it being stretched and so it can be optimised for a wide variety of hardware. And the GUI and inventory changes'll be there so they'll still work with a mouse. What part of these new features do you want, exactly?
Even if it was expected, announcing a supposed "Xbox 360 exclusive" for PC with improvements over the Xbox 360 version (higher resolution visuals, new inventory GUI and functionality...) seems unfair if the Xbox 360 users will not get some of those improvements as well.
You do realise they're all pretty standard PC port improvements, right? The reason for different resolutions is so people with different monitors can run it without it being stretched and so it can be optimised for a wide variety of hardware. And the GUI and inventory changes'll be there so they'll still work with a mouse. What part of these new features do you want, exactly?
I imagine he wants an inventory thats easy to manage and navigate, unlike Mass Effect on 360.
Its still a great game though and PC users are in for a treat.
As long as us 360 owners don't get shafted and miss out on revamps and content that the PC one gets, then I'm down with this - this is a great game, and deserves a massive audience.
This is great news. I expected Mass Effect to be ported eventually but not as soon as May! There goes the last game that was tempting me into buying a 360... Well for now at least
Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
* Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC. * High resolution visuals - Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments. * Fully customizable controls - PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like. * Run & Gun Control - Players can assign biotic powers or skills to 'hot keys' allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action. * New decryption mini-game. * New inventory screen GUI and functionality - The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.
I think this just settled any console -> PC port arguments....
I wanted this for my 360, but having not got round to buying it, I'll probably wait for this version. The most important question which has been forgotten is: will this PC version include the forthcoming DLC content for the 360 version? I'd have thought it's likely, but it bloody well better happen.
Been looking for a good excuse to upgrade my rig from the creaking hunk o junk it is now (although lasted for 3 years and still churns out the Orange Box)
This and a few Pc games on the horizon will give me that reason. Been looking forward to this one and wasnt expecting such a fast turnaround.
Now all bioware has to do is announce KoTOR III for an July release!
Now we get to rub it in the faces of all those 360 idiots who were all shouting about how Mass Effect was going to be a 360 exclusive for ever and ever...
Weeee. Can't wait
i played and completed it over christmas.... never thought it was an exclusive, just knew it would never go to ps3 (which i have anyway as well as a competent pc).... damn good game by the way...have fun with it!!!! (dont see why 360 owners get their faces rubbed in it tho as i almost see the pc as an allie to the 360???)
Still, there is no reason why they can't supply this additional stuff (content or menu revamps) via download - even if they cost a few points. Hell, it's actually a way for Bioware to make a little extra cash, which can't be a bad thing, surely.
MS and EA seem to have worked out a deal, with EA getting publishing rights and MS conceivably retain the IP exclusivity on their platforms (PC and 360).
but seriously, is anyone surprised? it has happened with EVERY bioware game on xbox. in any case, the guys who have it on 360 shouldn't be concerned - they will get the entire trilogy (as will the PC guys), DLC and so on.
in any case, the fact that EA only announced a PC version indicates that it won't be coming to PS3.
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